JP7109972B2 - Medical image diagnostic equipment and gantry control equipment - Google Patents

Description

An embodiment of the present invention relates to a medical image diagnostic apparatus and a gantry control apparatus.

Medical image diagnostic apparatuses that perform image diagnosis by photographing a subject include so-called pedestals such as X-ray CT (Computed Tomography) apparatuses, PET (Positron Emission Tomography) apparatuses, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) apparatuses. There are some with

This type of gantry device is provided with various members including members for photographing. Some of these members provided on the gantry device generate operating noise during operation of the device.

2. Description of the Related Art Before, during, or after capturing an image of a subject, an instruction may be given to the subject by sound. This sound includes the operator's own voice as well as the voice automatically output from the medical image diagnostic apparatus.

However, when an instruction is given to the subject by sound, the operation sound generated by the members provided in the gantry device becomes noise, making it difficult for the subject to hear the instruction sound, and the instruction is not correctly transmitted to the subject. Sometimes. This problem is particularly pronounced when the subject is an elderly patient with hearing loss. If the instruction is not correctly transmitted to the subject, the image intended by the operator cannot be obtained. In this case, blurring may be included in the image, which may hinder accurate diagnosis, and it may be necessary to redo the imaging. In the case of redoing the imaging, not only does the imaging time become longer, but the exposure dose of the subject is also increased.

JP-A-8-098828

The problem to be solved by the present invention is to control the noise generated by the gantry apparatus so that a sound instruction can be correctly transmitted to the subject.

A medical image diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment includes a gantry device, an acquisition unit, and a control unit. The gantry device has an air blower. The acquisition unit acquires the type of imaging protocol. The control unit controls the air blowing volume of the air blowing unit provided in the gantry device according to the type of the imaging protocol during execution of the imaging protocol.

1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an X-ray CT apparatus according to a first embodiment; FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining an example of functions realized by a processor of a processing circuit of the console device of the X-ray CT apparatus according to the first embodiment; An example of a schematic procedure for controlling the noise generated by the gantry device according to the type of imaging protocol so that the processor of the processing circuit of the console device can correctly convey instructions by sound to the subject is shown. flowchart. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of a noise control method when executing an imaging protocol that includes an instruction by sound to a subject; FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an example of a noise control method when an operator directly gives a voice instruction to a subject through a microphone; FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a gantry control device;

Hereinafter, embodiments of a medical image diagnostic apparatus and a gantry control apparatus will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to the embodiment may be provided with a pedestal having an air blower such as a fan, and may be an X-ray CT apparatus, a PET apparatus, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) apparatus, or the like. can be done.

Further, the medical image diagnostic apparatus and the gantry control device according to the embodiment control the noise generated by the gantry device so that an instruction by sound can be correctly transmitted to the subject. In the following description, "speech" includes not only speech produced by a person, but also sound obtained by reading out text data using sounds that are recognized as human voices by listeners. "Sound" includes "voice", "music", "sound effect (beep sound, etc.)", and the like.

(First embodiment)
In the first embodiment, an example in which an X-ray CT apparatus is used as a medical image diagnostic apparatus will be described.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining an example of functions realized by the processor of the processing circuit 45 of the console device 40 of the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1, in the present embodiment, the rotation axis of the rotating frame 13 in the non-tilt state or the longitudinal direction of the top plate 33 of the bed device 30 is the z-axis direction, which is orthogonal to the z-axis direction, and is relative to the floor surface. The horizontal axial direction is defined as the x-axis direction, the axial direction orthogonal to the z-axis direction, and the vertical axial direction to the floor surface is defined as the y-axis direction.

The X-ray CT apparatus 1 has a gantry device 10 , a bed device 30 and a console device 40 . Although the X-ray CT apparatus 1 includes one gantry 10, two gantry devices 10 are shown in FIG. 1 for convenience of explanation.

The X-ray CT apparatus 1 is a Rotate/Rotate-Type (third-generation CT) in which an X-ray tube and a detector are integrally rotated around a subject, and has a large number of X-ray detection elements arrayed in a ring. There are various types such as Stationary/Rotate-Type (4th generation CT) in which only the X-ray tube is fixed and rotates around the subject, and any type can be applied to the present embodiment. In the following description, an example in which the third-generation Rotate/Rotate-Type is adopted as the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to this embodiment will be described.

The gantry 10 includes an X-ray tube 11, an X-ray detector 12, a rotating frame 13 having an opening 19 containing an imaging region, an X-ray high voltage device 14, a control device 15, a wedge 16, a collimator 17, and data acquisition. A circuit (DAS: Data Acquisition System) 18 is provided.

The X-ray tube 11 is a vacuum tube that generates X-rays by applying a high voltage from an X-ray high-voltage device 14 and irradiating thermal electrons from a cathode (filament) toward an anode (target).

In this embodiment, both the single-tube type X-ray CT apparatus and the so-called multi-tube type X-ray CT apparatus in which a plurality of pairs of X-ray tubes and detectors are mounted on a rotating ring can be used. Applicable. Also, hardware for generating X-rays is not limited to the X-ray tube 11 . For example, in place of the X-ray tube 11, a focus coil for converging the electron beam generated from the electron gun, a deflection coil for electromagnetic deflection, and the deflected electron beam surrounding the half circumference of the subject P collide with each other to emit X-rays. X-rays may be generated using a fifth generation system including a target ring to be generated.

The X-ray detector 12 detects X-rays emitted from the X-ray tube 11 and passing through the subject P, and outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the X-ray dose to the DAS 18 . The X-ray detector 12 has, for example, a plurality of X-ray detection element arrays in which a plurality of X-ray detection elements are arranged in the channel direction along one circular arc around the focal point of the X-ray tube. The X-ray detector 12 has, for example, a structure in which a plurality of X-ray detection element rows each having a plurality of X-ray detection elements arranged in the channel direction are arranged in the slice direction (column direction, row direction).

Also, the X-ray detector 12 is, for example, an indirect conversion type detector having a grid, a scintillator array, and a photosensor array. The scintillator array has a plurality of scintillators, and each scintillator has a scintillator crystal that outputs a photon amount of light corresponding to the amount of incident X-rays. The grid has an X-ray shielding plate arranged on the surface of the scintillator array on the X-ray incident side and having a function of absorbing scattered X-rays. Note that the grid may also be called a collimator (one-dimensional collimator or two-dimensional collimator). The photosensor array has a function of converting the amount of light from the scintillator into an electrical signal, and includes photosensors such as photomultiplier tubes (PMTs).

The X-ray detector 12 may be a direct conversion type detector having a semiconductor element that converts incident X-rays into electrical signals. The X-ray detector 12 is an example of an X-ray detector.

The rotating frame 13 is an annular frame that supports the X-ray tube 11 and the X-ray detector 12 so as to face each other and rotates the X-ray tube 11 and the X-ray detector 12 by means of a control device 15, which will be described later. In addition to the X-ray tube 11 and the X-ray detector 12, the rotating frame 13 further includes an X-ray high-voltage device 14 and a DAS 18 to support them. The detection data generated by the DAS 18 is transmitted from a transmitter having a light-emitting diode (LED) provided on the rotating frame 13 to a non-rotating portion of the gantry 10 (for example, a fixed frame, not shown in FIG. 1) by optical communication. ), which has a photodiode, and is transferred to the console device 40 . The method of transmitting the detection data from the rotating frame 13 to the non-rotating portion of the gantry 10 is not limited to the optical communication described above, and any method of non-contact data transmission may be employed. A fixed frame (not shown) is a frame that rotatably supports the rotating frame 13 . The rotating frame 13 is an example of a rotating part.

The X-ray high-voltage device 14 has electric circuits such as a transformer and a rectifier, and has a high-voltage generation device having a function of generating a high voltage to be applied to the X-ray tube 11. and an X-ray control device for controlling an output voltage according to the X-rays. The high voltage generator may be of a transformer type or an inverter type. The X-ray high-voltage device 14 may be provided on the rotating frame 13 or may be provided on the fixed frame side of the gantry device 10 .

The control device 15 has a processor provided on a control board, a memory circuit, and drive mechanisms such as motors and actuators. The control device 15 has a function of receiving an input signal from an input interface 43 attached to the console device 40 or the gantry device 10 and controlling the operation of the gantry device 10 and the bed device 30 . For example, the control device 15 receives an input signal and performs control to rotate the rotating frame 13 , control to tilt the gantry device 10 , and control to operate the bed device 30 and the tabletop 33 . Note that the control for tilting the gantry device 10 is performed by the control device 15 based on the tilt angle (tilt angle) information input through the input interface attached to the gantry device 10, so as to rotate the rotating frame 13 about an axis parallel to the X-axis direction. This is achieved by rotating the Note that the control device 15 may be provided in the gantry device 10 or may be provided in the console device 40 .

Wedge 16 is a filter for adjusting the dose of X-rays emitted from X-ray tube 11 . Specifically, the wedge 16 transmits and attenuates the X-rays emitted from the X-ray tube 11 so that the X-rays emitted from the X-ray tube 11 to the subject P have a predetermined distribution. is a filter. For example, the wedge 16 (wedge filter, bow-tie filter) is a filter machined from aluminum to have a predetermined target angle and thickness.

The collimator 17 is a lead plate or the like for narrowing down the irradiation range of the X-rays transmitted through the wedge 16, and a slit is formed by combining a plurality of lead plates or the like. Note that the collimator 17 may also be called an X-ray diaphragm.

The DAS 18 (Data Acquisition System) includes an amplifier that amplifies an electric signal output from each X-ray detection element of the X-ray detector 12, and an A/D converter that converts the electric signal into a digital signal. and generate detection data. Detection data generated by the DAS 18 is transferred to the console device 40 . DAS 18 is an example of a data collector.

The bed device 30 is a device for placing and moving a subject P to be scanned, and includes a base 31 , a bed driving device 32 , a top board 33 and a support frame 34 .

The base 31 is a housing that supports the support frame 34 so as to be movable in the vertical direction (y direction). The bed driving device 32 is a motor or actuator that moves the table 33 on which the subject P is placed in the longitudinal direction (z direction) of the table 33 . A top plate 33 provided on the upper surface of the support frame 34 is a plate on which the subject P is placed.

Note that the bed driving device 32 may move the support frame 34 in addition to the top plate 33 in the long axis direction (z direction) of the top plate 33 . Further, the bed drive device 32 may move the base 31 of the bed device 30 together. If the present invention can be applied to standing CT, a method of moving a patient moving mechanism corresponding to the top plate 33 may be used.

In addition, the positional relationship between the imaging system of the gantry device 10 and the tabletop 33 is not changed for helical scanning imaging, scano imaging for positioning, so-called wide volume scanning imaging in which volume scanning is performed at a plurality of positions using a multi-row detector, and the like. When performing imaging with relative change, the relative change in the positional relationship may be performed by driving the top plate 33 or by running the fixed frame of the gantry device 10, It may also be performed by combining them.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 includes a gantry fan 101, a detector fan 102, a DAS fan 103, and a control board fan 104 as an example of an air blower. The X-ray CT apparatus 1 also includes a temperature sensor 111 and an examination room speaker 112 .

The gantry fan 101 is provided in the housing of the gantry device 10, and the amount of air blown is controlled by the processing circuit 45 of the console device 40 to exhaust the air inside the housing of the gantry device 10 to the outside. When the gantry fan 101 is composed of a plurality of fans, the processing circuit 45 may control each fan individually, or group the plurality of fans into a plurality of groups and control each group. good.

Detector fan 102 is provided in the vicinity of X-ray detector 12 , and the amount of air blown is controlled by processing circuit 45 of console device 40 to cool X-ray detector 12 . If the detector fan 102 consists of multiple fans, like the pedestal fan 101, the processing circuitry 45 may control each fan individually or group the multiple fans into multiple groups. , may be controlled for each group.

The DAS fan 103 is provided in the vicinity of the DAS 18 and has its airflow controlled by the processing circuit 45 of the console device 40 to cool the DAS 18 . Even when the DAS fan 103 is composed of a plurality of fans, the processing circuit 45 may individually control each fan as described for the gantry fan 101 and the detector fan 102, or may control the plurality of fans. It may be grouped into a plurality of groups and controlled for each group.

The control board fan 104 is provided in the vicinity of the control board of the control device 15, and the air flow rate is controlled by the processing circuit 45 of the console device 40 to cool the control board.

The temperature sensor 111 is provided inside the housing of the gantry device 10 , for example, and outputs information indicating the temperature inside the housing to the processing circuit 45 . Also, the temperature sensor 111 may be provided in the vicinity of each of the X-ray detector 12 , the DAS 18 , and the control board of the control device 15 to output information indicating these temperatures to the processing circuit 45 .

The processing circuit 45 controls the amount of air blown by the air blowing units (the gantry fan 101, the detector fan 102, the DAS fan 103, and the control board fan 104) provided in the gantry device 10 according to the temperature output by the temperature sensor 111. be able to. When controlling the amount of air blown by the air blower according to the temperature, it is preferable to store in advance in the memory 41 of the console device 40 a table that associates the temperature with the number of revolutions of the fan for each fan to be controlled.

The examination room speaker 112 is controlled by the processing circuit 45 of the console device 40 to output sounds such as automatic voice output from the processing circuit 45 and operator's voice input via the microphone 47 . The examination room speaker 112 may be provided at a position where the output sound reaches the subject P. For example, the examination room speaker 112 may be provided on the housing of the gantry device 10, the base 31 of the bed device 30, or the wall or floor of the examination room. Good.

Console device 40 has memory 41 , display 42 , input interface 43 , network connection circuitry 44 , and processing circuitry 45 . Although the following description assumes that the console device 40 executes all functions by a single console, these functions may be executed by a plurality of consoles.

Also, the function of the processing circuit 45 of the console device 40 may be realized by a gantry controller 70 such as an integrated server connected to the gantry 10 via a network so as to be able to transmit and receive data. The gantry control device 70 is configured to be able to control, for example, gantry devices of a plurality of medical image diagnostic apparatuses. A case where the gantry control device 70 implements the functions of the processing circuit 45 of the console device 40 will be described in a second embodiment.

The memory 41 has a configuration including, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory), a semiconductor memory device such as a flash memory, a hard disk, an optical disc, or other recording medium readable by a processor.

The memory 41 pre-stores, for example, a table that associates temperatures with fan rotation speeds. Further, a table in which the number of rotations of the fan is set to be low, which is applied when executing a low-dose imaging protocol, may be stored in advance. The memory 41 also stores, for example, projection data and reconstructed image data.

The projection data and reconstructed image data generated by the X-ray CT apparatus 1 may be stored in the memory 41, or may be stored in another electronic device such as a cloud server that can be connected to the X-ray CT apparatus 1 via a network. may receive a storage request from the X-ray CT apparatus 1 and store projection data and reconstructed image data. Similarly, some or all of the data such as programs and tables in the recording medium of memory 41 may be downloaded by communication via a network, or provided to memory 41 via a portable storage medium such as an optical disk. may be

The display 42 displays various information. For example, the display 42 outputs a medical image (CT image) generated by the processing circuit 45, a GUI (Graphical User Interface) for receiving various operations from the user, and the like. For example, the display 42 is a liquid crystal display, a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) display, an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) display, or the like.

The input interface 43 receives various input operations from the user, converts the received input operations into electrical signals, and outputs the electrical signals to the processing circuit 45 . For example, the input interface 43 receives acquisition conditions for acquiring projection data, reconstruction conditions for reconstructing CT images, image processing conditions for generating post-processed images from CT images, and the like from the user. For example, the input interface 43 uses a trackball, a switch, a button, a mouse, a keyboard, a touch pad that performs an input operation by touching an operation surface, a touch screen that integrates a display screen and a touch pad, and an optical sensor. It is realized by a non-contact input circuit, an audio input circuit, and the like.

The network connection circuit 44 implements various information communication protocols according to the form of the network. The network connection circuit 44 connects the X-ray CT apparatus 1 and other equipment such as an image server according to these various protocols. An electrical connection via an electronic network or the like can be applied to this connection. The term “electronic network” as used herein refers to all information communication networks using telecommunication technology, including wireless/wired hospital LANs (Local Area Networks), Internet networks, telephone communication networks, optical fiber communication networks, cable networks, etc. Including communication networks and satellite communication networks.

The processing circuit 45 reads out and executes a program stored in the memory 41, thereby executing processing for controlling noise generated by the gantry 10 so that an instruction by sound can be correctly transmitted to the subject P. processor. The processing circuit 45 is also a processor that controls the overall operation of the X-ray CT apparatus 1 .

A microphone switch 46 is a switch that is operated by an operator to control on/off of the microphone 47 . Microphone switch 46 may be provided as a hard key or provided as a soft key on display 42 .

The microphone 47 receives a voice uttered by the operator to give an instruction to the subject P, and outputs the input voice to the examination room speaker 112 .

The microphone switch 46 may include a light-emitting portion that indicates a state in which an operation by the operator can be accepted. In this case, the processing circuit 45 may turn on or blink the light emitting unit when preparations for outputting sound from the examination room speaker 112 via the microphone 47 are completed. In this case, the operator confirms the lighting state of the light emitting unit, turns on the microphone switch 46 by, for example, pressing it down, and then inputs voice to the microphone 47 so that the examination room speaker is activated. A voice instruction can be given to the subject P from 112 .

The console speaker 48 is a speaker for outputting to the operator of the console device 40 sounds collected by a microphone (not shown) provided in an examination room, for example.

Note that the microphone 47 and the console speaker 48 may be provided integrally with a headset that can be worn by the operator. In this case, a microphone switch 46 may be provided on the headset.

Next, an example of functions realized by the processor of the processing circuit 45 will be described.

As shown in FIG. 2, the processor of processing circuit 45 implements reception function 451 , scan control function 452 , type acquisition function 453 , and noise control function 454 . Each of these functions is stored in the memory 41 in the form of a program.

The reception function 451 receives information on the imaging protocol selected by the operator via the input interface 43, for example.

The imaging protocol defines a series of procedures for collecting desired image data, and includes information on the imaging site, imaging conditions including tube current and tube voltage applied to the X-ray tube 11, and the like. is included. In addition, for example, the imaging part is the chest, and the imaging protocol for performing imaging with respiratory synchronization may include instructions such as "Please inhale, exhale and stop" to the subject P immediately before collecting the image data. Some have built-in processing to output automatic voice.

The scan control function 452 controls the gantry device 10 to perform imaging according to the imaging protocol.

The type acquisition function 453 acquires information on the type of imaging protocol received by the reception function 451 .

The noise control function 454 controls the amount of air blown by the air blower provided in the gantry device 10 according to the type of the imaging protocol acquired by the type acquisition function 453 during execution of the imaging protocol. 104 rotation speed is controlled.

In the following description, it is assumed that the control of the number of rotations of the fan includes stopping the rotation. At this time, the noise control function 454 may further control the rotation speed of the rotating frame 13 . The noise control function 454 is an example of a controller.

Next, an example of the operation of the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to this embodiment will be described.

FIG. 3 shows the process of controlling the noise generated by the gantry 10 according to the type of the imaging protocol so that the processor of the processing circuit 45 of the console device 40 can correctly transmit a sound instruction to the subject P. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a schematic procedure. In FIG. 3, numerals attached to S indicate respective steps of the flow chart.

First, in step S1, the reception function 451 receives information on the imaging protocol selected by the operator.

Next, in step S<b>2 , the type acquisition function 453 acquires information on the type of imaging protocol received by the reception function 451 .

Next, in step S3, the scan control function 452 receives a start instruction from the operator via the input interface 43, for example, and starts execution of the imaging protocol.

Next, in step S4, the noise control function 454 controls the air blowing volume of the air blower provided in the gantry device 10 according to the type of the imaging protocol acquired by the type acquiring function 453 during execution of the imaging protocol. The rotation speed of each fan 101-104 is controlled so as to At this time, the noise control function 454 may further control the rotation speed of the rotating frame 13 .

By the above procedure, the noise generated by the gantry 10 can be controlled according to the type of the imaging protocol so that the sound instruction can be correctly transmitted to the subject P.

Next, the noise control method according to the type of imaging protocol will be described more specifically.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an example of a noise control method when executing an imaging protocol including an instruction by sound to the subject P. As shown in FIG. 4 and the following description using FIG. 4 is an example in which the noise control function 454 controls the rotation speed of each fan 101-104 and the rotation speed of the rotating frame 13 in step S4 of FIG. , it is also possible to control only the rotation speed of each fan 101-104.

In addition, FIG. 4 shows an imaging protocol for performing imaging with respiratory synchronization, where the imaging region is the chest, and an automatic voice is output as an instruction by sound, ``please inhale, exhale, and stop''. Although an example in which the processing is included in the imaging protocol has been shown, instructions by sound are not limited to instructions by voice. For example, by telling the subject P to move in this way when this music is played, if the action to be taken by the subject P and the sound are associated in advance, the sound can be used. The instructions may be music, beeps, or a combination thereof.

As shown in FIG. 4, when execution of the imaging protocol is started (step S3 in FIG. 3, see "Start imaging" in FIG. 4), the scan control function 452 controls each fan 101-104 of the blower unit. starts rotating, the rotating frame 13 starts rotating.

During the execution of the imaging protocol, when the timing for outputting the automatic voice "Please inhale, exhale and stop" comes, the noise control function 454 controls the timing to start outputting the voice or before the timing. Before a predetermined time, the rotation speed of each fan 101-104 is reduced to a predetermined rotation speed, and the rotation speed of the rotating frame 13 is also reduced to a predetermined rotation speed. As a result, the noise generated by the fans 101 to 104 of the gantry 10 and the rotating frame 13 can be reduced, making it easier for the subject P to hear the voice.

After outputting the automatic sound, the noise control function 454 restores the rotation speed of each fan 101-104 and the rotation speed of the rotating frame 13. FIG. The scan control function 452 starts exposure and collects image data (see “Start exposure” in FIG. 4).

As described above, when the imaging protocol includes automatic voice output processing for giving instructions to the subject P, the number of revolutions of the fans 101 to 104 and the number of revolutions of the rotating frame 13 are increased during the automatic voice output. can be made easier for the subject P to hear the automatic voice by controlling to lower the .

If the microphone switch 46 has a light emitting part, the noise control function 454 will turn on the light emitting part at the timing when the output of the automatic voice is started or a predetermined time before the timing when the automatic voice output preparation is completed. lights up or flashes. In this case, the noise control function 454 reduces the number of rotations of the fans 101 to 104 and the number of rotations of the rotating frame 13 at the timing when the operator turns on the microphone switch 46 after confirming the lighting state of the light emitting unit. At the timing when the operator turns off the microphone switch 46, the number of revolutions of the fans 101 to 104 and the number of revolutions of the rotating frame 13 should be restored.

Further, in an imaging protocol in which the imaging region is the head, imaging is performed at a position where the vicinity of the subject P's head and the gantry device 10 are close to each other. In this case, the noise generated by the blower unit of the gantry device 10 has a greater influence on the subject P. FIG. For this reason, even when a voice instruction is included in an imaging protocol in which the imaging part is the head, the rotational speed of each fan 101 to 104 is adjusted so as to reduce the noise generated by each fan 101 to 104 during the voice instruction. should be reduced.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining an example of a noise control method when the operator directly gives a voice instruction to the subject P via the microphone 47. As shown in FIG. 5 and the following description using FIG. 5 is an example in which the noise control function 454 controls the rotation speed of each of the fans 101 to 104 and the rotation speed of the rotating frame 13 in step S4 of FIG. , it is also possible to control only the rotation speed of each fan 101-104.

Also, FIG. 5 shows an example in which the operator directly gives a voice instruction and the imaging protocol includes the instruction to the subject P by sound.

The operator may want to give a voice instruction directly to the subject P during execution of the imaging protocol. In this case, the noise control function 454 reduces the number of rotations of the fans 101 to 104 and the number of rotations of the rotating frame 13 at the timing when the operator turns on the microphone switch 46, and the operator turns off the microphone switch 46. It is preferable to restore the rotation speed of each fan 101-104 and the rotation speed of the rotating frame 13 at the second timing.

In this way, when the operator directly gives a voice instruction to the photographing protocol, the rotation speed of the fans 101 to 104 and the rotation speed of the rotating frame 13 are controlled to decrease in conjunction with turning on/off the microphone switch 46. This makes it easier for the subject P to hear the voice of the operator, so that the operator and the subject P can have a conversation without any trouble.

It should be noted that the timing at which the operator directly gives the voice instruction is often immediately after the start of the photographing protocol. Therefore, if the microphone switch 46 has a light emitting portion, the noise control function 454 may light the light emitting portion of the microphone switch 46 for a predetermined time after the start of execution of the photographing protocol. When the microphone switch is turned on by the operator during the lighting for the predetermined time, and the number of rotations of the fans 101 to 104 and the number of rotations of the rotating frame 13 are increasing, the noise control function 454 may control the rotation speed of each fan 101-104 and the rotation speed of the rotation frame 13 so that the rotation speed of each fan 101-104 and the rotation speed of the rotation frame 13 slow down.

In addition to the noise control methods described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, various methods are conceivable as the noise control method according to the type of imaging protocol. For example, if the type of imaging protocol is a protocol that includes an imaging condition under which the radiation dose is equal to or less than a predetermined dose, it is expected that the temperature of the object to be cooled by the blower unit will not rise that much in the first place. In this case, in the memory 41, a plurality of tables in which the temperature and the number of rotations of the fan are associated in advance are prepared according to the dose specified by the imaging conditions, such as for high dose, normal dose, and low dose. By controlling the number of rotations of the fans 101 to 104 using the low dose table, the noise generated by the blower can be reduced.

The X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment can control the noise generated by the gantry 10 by the processor of the processing circuit 45 of the console device 40 according to the type of imaging protocol. Therefore, according to the X-ray CT apparatus 1, it is possible to accurately convey to the subject P an instruction by sound, such as an instruction by voice automatically output from an imaging protocol or an instruction by an operator's voice. Therefore, it is possible to prevent adverse effects of obtaining an image not intended by the operator, such as blurring of the image due to movement of the subject P during collection of image data, and smooth imaging. can be done. Therefore, since the need for re-imaging is reduced, unnecessary exposure of the subject P can be prevented, and the time required for the entire imaging can be greatly shortened.

(Second embodiment)
In the second embodiment, the functions 451 to 454 of the processing circuit 45 described in the first embodiment are realized by a gantry controller 70 connected to the gantry 10 via a network so as to be able to transmit and receive data. An example will be described.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the gantry control device 70. As shown in FIG.

The gantry controller 70 has a memory 71 , a display 72 , an input interface 73 , a network connection circuit 74 , a processing circuit 75 , a microphone switch 76 , a microphone 77 and a console speaker 78 . The configuration and operation of these 71-78 are not substantially different from the configuration and operation of 41-48 of the console device 40 according to the first embodiment, except for controlling the gantry device 10 via the network. omitted. Also, the functions 751 to 754 of the processing circuit 75 are substantially the same as the functions 451 to 454 of the processing circuit 45 according to the first embodiment, except for controlling the gantry 10 via the network, so description thereof is omitted. do.

As shown in FIG. 6, the gantry control device 70 is configured to be able to control a plurality of gantry devices 10 via a network. As the gantry device 10 controlled by the gantry control device 70, in addition to the gantry device (CT) 10 described in the first embodiment, the gantry device (PET) 10A for the PET device and the pedestal device (PET-CT device) for the PET-CT device. CT) 10B, MRI apparatus gantry (MRI) 10C, and the like. These gantry devices 10, 10A, 10B, and 10C are common in that they each include a fan as a blower.

For example, the pedestal device (PET) 10A of the PET apparatus includes a bore, a plurality of gamma ray detectors provided along the circumference of a circle centered on the bore, and a circle for cooling the plurality of gamma ray detectors. and a plurality of fans as air blowers provided along the circumferential direction. A gamma ray detector is an example of a gamma ray detector.

This fan may be provided in a one-to-one correspondence with the gamma ray detectors, or may be provided in each of a predetermined number of gamma ray detectors.

A plurality of fans (for example, a total of 96 fans, 48 on each side) are provided along the circumference of a circle centered on the bore so as to surround the bore. Therefore, the processing circuit 75 of the pedestal control device 70 may individually control each fan of the pedestal device (PET) 10A, or group a plurality of fans into a plurality of groups and control each group. may For example, the noise control function 754 of the gantry control device 70 may perform so-called thinning drive by decreasing the number of revolutions of every other fan among a plurality of fans as air blowers. Only the fan provided in the upper half (such as the upper half) may reduce the number of rotations. Also, depending on the shooting protocol, for example, one-third of the fans can be rotated at a normal speed and the remaining two-thirds of the fans can be rotated at a low speed, and the fans to be rotated at a low speed can be changed at regular intervals. Therefore, the noise may be reduced while suppressing the temperature rise of the gamma ray detector.

Further, the pedestal device (PET-CT) 10B of the PET-CT apparatus is configured as a composite pedestal of an X-ray CT imaging pedestal and a PET imaging pedestal. Therefore, the noise control function 754 of the gantry control device 70 preferably reduces the rotation speed of the fan provided on the gantry for PET imaging during execution of the imaging protocol using the gantry for X-ray CT imaging. Similarly, during the execution of the imaging protocol using the PET imaging stand, it is preferable to reduce the rotation speed of the fan provided on the X-ray CT imaging stand.

Further, when the gantry (MRI) 10C of the MRI apparatus is provided with an air-cooling fan, the noise control function 754 of the gantry controller 70 controls the rotation speed of the fan according to the imaging protocol.

The gantry control device 70 according to the second embodiment also has the same actions and effects as the console device 40 of the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. In addition, according to the gantry control device 70 according to the second embodiment, a plurality of gantry devices 10, 10A, 10B, and 10C can be controlled by one device at a remote location away from the gantry device 10. FIG.

According to at least one embodiment described above, it is possible to control the noise generated by the gantry device so that an instruction by sound can be correctly transmitted to the subject P.

The type acquisition function 453 (753) and the noise control function 454 (754) of the processing circuit 45 (75) in this embodiment are examples of the acquisition section and the control section in the scope of claims, respectively.

Further, in the above embodiments, the term "processor" is, for example, a dedicated or general-purpose CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), Circuits such as programmable logic devices (eg, Simple Programmable Logic Devices (SPLDs), Complex Programmable Logic Devices (CPLDs), and FPGAs) shall be meant. The processor implements various functions by reading and executing programs stored in the storage medium.

Further, in the above embodiments, an example of a case where a single processor of the processing circuit realizes each function is shown, but a processing circuit is configured by combining a plurality of independent processors, and each processor realizes each function. good too. Further, when a plurality of processors are provided, a storage medium for storing programs may be provided individually for each processor, or a single storage medium may collectively store programs corresponding to the functions of all processors. good too.

It should be noted that although several embodiments of the invention have been described, these embodiments are provided by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as the scope of the invention described in the claims and equivalents thereof.

1 X-ray CT device 10 Frame device (CT)
10A pedestal device (PET)
10B pedestal device (PET-CT)
10C cradle device (MRI)
11 X-ray tube 12 X-ray detector 13 Rotating frame 15 Control device 40 Console device 45 Console device processing circuits 46, 76 Microphone switches 47, 77 Microphones 48, 78 Console speaker 70 Mount control device 75 Mount control device processing circuit 101 Mounting fan 102 Detector fan 103 DAS fan 104 Control board fan 112 Examination room speaker 451, 751 Reception function 452, 752 Scan control function 453, 753 Type acquisition function 454, 754 Noise control function

Claims (10)

a gantry device having an air blower;
an acquisition unit that acquires the type of imaging protocol;
a control unit that controls an air blowing volume of the air blowing unit provided in the gantry device according to the type of the imaging protocol during execution of the imaging protocol;
with
The control unit
When the type of the imaging protocol is a protocol that includes an instruction by an automatic voice to the subject, during the execution of the imaging protocol, the timing at which the output of the automatic voice is started or the blowing of the air at a predetermined time before the timing The air blow volume of the air blow unit is reduced so that the noise generated by the unit is reduced , and the air blow volume of the air blow unit is restored when the output of the automatic voice ends .
Medical diagnostic imaging equipment. The control unit
When the type of the imaging protocol is a protocol in which imaging is performed at a position where the vicinity of the subject's head and the gantry device are close to each other, the noise generated by the blower during execution of the imaging protocol is reduced. Control the air blow volume of the air blow unit so as to
The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1 . The air blower is
A fan for exhausting the air inside the housing of the gantry device to the outside, a fan for cooling the detection unit provided inside the gantry device, and a data collection unit provided inside the gantry device. At least one of a cooling fan and a fan for cooling a control board provided inside the gantry device,
The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 . a microphone for inputting a voice uttered by the operator to give instructions to the subject;
a switch operated by the operator to control on/off of the microphone;
further comprising
The control unit
When the switch is turned on by the operator, controlling the blowing volume of the blower so as to reduce the noise generated by the blower.
The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3 . The gantry device
A base for an X-ray CT apparatus having the blower section, the X-ray tube, the X-ray detection section, and a rotating section that integrally and rotatably supports the X-ray tube and the X-ray detection section. including
During execution of the imaging protocol, the control unit determines that the type of the imaging protocol is a protocol that further includes, as an imaging condition, a condition that the dose of X-rays emitted from the X-ray tube is equal to or less than a predetermined dose. , controlling the blowing volume of the blower so as to reduce the noise generated by the blower of the X-ray CT apparatus ;
The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4 . The gantry device
A frame for an X-ray CT apparatus, comprising: the blower section; the X-ray tube; the X-ray detection section; can be,
The control unit
Controlling the air blowing volume of the air blowing unit and controlling the rotation speed of the rotating unit;
The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5 . The gantry device
a bore, a plurality of gamma ray detectors provided along the circumference of a circle centered on the bore, and the blower provided along the circumference for cooling the plurality of gamma ray detectors A pedestal for a PET (Positron Emission Tomography) apparatus having a plurality of fans as
The control unit
During execution of the imaging protocol, controlling an air blowing volume of some of the plurality of fans provided in the gantry device according to the type of the imaging protocol;
The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5 . The gantry device
A pedestal for X-ray CT imaging , comprising: the blower section; the X-ray tube; the X-ray detection section; a bore, a plurality of gamma ray detectors provided along the circumference of a circle centered on the bore, and the gamma ray detectors provided along the circumference for cooling the plurality of gamma ray detectors A composite frame for a PET-CT apparatus comprising a plurality of fans as air blowing units, and a frame for PET (Positron Emission Tomography) imaging,
The control unit
During the execution of an imaging protocol using the X-ray CT imaging pedestal, the above-mentioned In addition to controlling the air blowing volume of the air blower, during the execution of the imaging protocol using the PET imaging stand, the air blowing unit provided on the X-ray CT imaging stand is configured to reduce noise generated. Controlling the air blowing volume of the air blowing unit provided on the stand for X-ray CT imaging,
The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5 . A gantry control device that is connected to a gantry device of a medical image diagnostic apparatus that obtains medical images of a subject by causing a gantry device having an air blower to execute an imaging protocol, and controls the operation of the gantry device. There is
an acquisition unit that acquires the type of the imaging protocol to be executed by the gantry device;
a control unit that controls an air blowing volume of an air blowing unit provided in the gantry device according to the type of the imaging protocol during execution of the imaging protocol by the gantry device;
with
The control unit
When the type of the imaging protocol is a protocol that includes an instruction by an automatic voice to the subject, during the execution of the imaging protocol, the timing at which the output of the automatic voice is started or the blowing of the air at a predetermined time before the timing The air blow volume of the air blow unit is reduced so that the noise generated by the unit is reduced, and the air blow volume of the air blow unit is restored when the output of the automatic voice ends.
Mounting control device. a gantry device having an air blower;
an acquisition unit that acquires the type of imaging protocol;
a control unit that controls an air blowing volume of the air blowing unit provided in the gantry device according to the type of the imaging protocol during execution of the imaging protocol;
with
The gantry device
a bore, a plurality of gamma ray detectors provided along the circumference of a circle centered on the bore, and the blower provided along the circumference for cooling the plurality of gamma ray detectors A pedestal for a PET (Positron Emission Tomography) apparatus having a plurality of fans as
The control unit
During execution of the imaging protocol, controlling an air blowing volume of some of the plurality of fans provided in the gantry device according to the type of the imaging protocol;
Medical diagnostic imaging equipment.

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